Coping with a Newborn

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A new baby is a great yet challenging experience that will drastically alter your life. Are you scared yet?! Seriously, nothing compares to the overwhelming feeling of love you feel when you first hold your newborn in your arms. Being a parent is a great responsibility and it can feel like it’s turning your life upside down. It can feel like it's never ending with nappies, feeding and very little sleep. Caring for your new baby can leave you with little time to recover from the transition of pregnancy to parenthood, or to recuperate emotionally and physically from the exhaustion of labour.

When home try the following tips from experienced Mums;

Rest as much as you can

Yes this can be tricky when your baby is sleeping 2-4hrs at a time, but when the baby sleeps you should try and sleep too. Ignore the chores, no one will really care about how long ago the hovering was done, or how dusty those shelves are. The only things you should worry about are your baby and you.

Eat sensibly

Think healthy- especially if you are breastfeeding, you will need as many nutrients as you can get to help fight the tiredness and give you more energy.Exercise

We’re not talking about running a marathon here! Although you will feel very tired you should try to do a little each day like a gently walk around the block with baby in the pram. This will help you to feel refreshed and energised and also help regain your pre-pregnancy figure.Relax

Easier said than done we know! Try to set aside a little time for you, 15 minutes reading a book or magazine. Make time for your partner

Schedule regular time — even just 15 minutes a day — for you and your partner to be alone and talk.Talk with others in the same position

You’re not the only new mum who’s going through this. There is so much support out there to help you cope with this life changing task.Join parenting clubs in your local area

Here you can meet others going through the same as you and develop a great network of friends and support not only for you, but others too. You can begin to share your worries, experiences and advice with others.Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Remember, Wonder Woman is fiction. Ask your partner, friends, and family for help. Jot down small, helpful things people can do as they occur to you. When people offer to help, check the list.

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